How to Prevent Gallbladder Sludge

Preventing Gallbladder Sludge

Gallbladder sludge refers to the consistency of bile in the gallbladder. In a healthy gallbladder, the bile is all one consistency. In a gallbladder containing sludge, on an ultrasound the gallbladder can be seen with two consistencies of bile. The upper consistency looks thinner and healthy, while impurities like cholesterol and mucous have sunk to the bottom and create a thicker bile at the bottom. This thicker bile is known as gallbladder sludge. If you are prone to getting gallbladder sludge, you may also get gallstones, which may result in having to get your gallbladder removed. You can prevent the sludge, however, by following a few simple steps that you can do at home.

Things You'll Need

• Ursodiol
• Oatmeal
• Fruit

Instructions

1. Eat fewer calories per day. People with higher-calorie diets are more likely to get gallbladder sludge. Although most people believe that they should be eating a 2,000-calorie diet, you can eat far fewer calories and still maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try to maintain a diet between 1,200 and 1,500-calorie diet if you are prone to gallbladder sludge.

2. Eat breakfast. If your gallbladder is regularly releasing bile instead of starting and stopping, the consistency of your bile will be more uniform. Eat a healthy breakfast like oatmeal with fruit. Skipping breakfast can result in buildup of old bile in your gallbladder.

3. Take Ursodiol. Your doctor can prescribe Ursodiol, which is made of Ursodeoxycholic acid, to break down the buildup of cholesterol in the gallbladder. Your doctor will tell you how often to take Ursodiol, although it is generally taken once a day.

4. Get your gallbladder removed. Your gallbladder is not a vital organ and can be removed with little or no side effects if you are having severe gallbladder problems. Usually the gallbladder is only removed if you are experiencing frequent gallstones along with gallbladder sludge, although you and your doctor can make the decision to have it removed if you are experiencing severe pain from the sludge alone. The operation is considered a minor surgery and it takes approximately two weeks to recover.

Tips & Warnings

• Your doctor can give you recommendations on a specific diet to prevent gallbladder sludge.

• If you have a high fever in association with gallbladder pain, go to the emergency room.

References

• MedicineNet.com: Gallstones
• Mayo Clinic: Gallstones

Resources

• WebMD Physician Directory